The Spirit of Japan: A Collection of Famous and Popular Shamisen Pieces
The shamisen is the quintessential traditional Japanese instrument.
Of course, it’s used to perform classic pieces, but it’s also a highly versatile instrument that shines in solo performances of intense songs and in collaborations with rock bands—traditional yet packed with showmanship.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of songs that feature the shamisen.
We’ve included everything from older works to the latest tracks!
If you’re thinking about starting the shamisen, you might find this helpful—so be sure to read to the end!
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[The Spirit of Japan] Shamisen Masterpieces and Popular Songs (1–10)
Akita Nikata-bushihanawachie
“Akita Nikata-bushi” is a renowned Akita folk song distinguished by its delicate, rhythmically articulated high tones.
The performer, Chie Hanawa, is a formidable talent who, at the age of 17, became the youngest champion at the 2000 All-Japan Tsugaru Shamisen Competition.
While still a student at a music university, she made her album debut, and has since been active in a wide range of settings, including a command performance at the Imperial Palace, overseas concerts, and ensemble projects with shakuhachi and violin.
Kuroda-bushiFujimoto Haneyuki
Kuroda-bushi is a folk song from Fukuoka City in Fukuoka Prefecture.
It originated as a song sung by samurai of the Fukuoka Domain, known as Chikuzen Imayō, and later spread throughout Japan.
Its roots lie in Etenraku Imayō, in which various lyrics were set to the gagaku melody Etenraku.
When performed on the shamisen, there are two styles: solo instrumental performance, and accompaniment supporting vocals or other instruments.
Rōkyoku: Farewell on Nanbusaka in the SnowMinami Haruo (Kouen)
Rōkyoku, along with rakugo and kōdan, is regarded as one of Japan’s three major narrative performing arts, and it tells stories through melody and spoken narration.
The shamisen is mainly used as accompaniment where there is melody, and its timbre is also an essential element of rōkyoku.
This piece is a scene from Chūshingura, one of the most popular episodes.
It portrays the farewell between Ōishi Kuranosuke and Yōzen’in, expressing the painful emotions of parting while concealing their true feelings.
With the shamisen accompaniment, one can sense Kuranosuke’s state of mind and the atmosphere of the scene.
[The Spirit of Japan] Shamisen Masterpieces and Popular Songs (11–20)
Yosakoi BushiSansuien ni yoru shisō
A folk song handed down in Kochi Prefecture.
It is known by the title “Yosakoi-bushi,” taken from the final chant-like refrain, but both the origin of that refrain and of the song itself are unknown, and its history has not been pinpointed—making it a piece with surprisingly many mysteries.
On top of that, many lyrics spread and took root as improvised verses, giving the song an intriguing allure that becomes more elusive the more you learn about it.
With deep roots as an ozashiki song, it is often sung with only shamisen accompaniment, and even with such a simple backing, it can fully evoke the proper atmosphere as a folk song.
-Poem of Fate-Agatsuma Hiromitsu
Hiroaki Agatsuma is a master of the shamisen with numerous awards to his name, including winning a national shamisen competition at the young age of 15.
He also composes music and collaborates with Western artists, enjoying international popularity.
“En no Uta” is a masterpiece that refreshingly expresses the profound allure of Japanese aesthetics, expanding without bounds.
It is also well known as the theme song for TV Tokyo’s program “Wafu Sōhonke.”
ZERO TO ONEKUNI-KEN
KUNI-KEN is a Tsugaru shamisen rock duo known for their intensely hard-hitting, cool sound, composed of brothers KUNIAKI (older) and KENJI (younger).
Released to mark their 15th anniversary, ZERO TO ONE is an exhilarating track whose driving momentum is powered by the thunderous resonance of the shamisen.
horizonNagamura Koji
“Horizon” was selected as the theme song for an Ishikawa TV special event program.
With band accompaniment, it’s an upbeat piece that deftly expresses both stillness and motion.
It brilliantly embodies the evolving yet tradition-respecting culture of Ishikawa Prefecture, as well as the event’s festive spirit.
The performer, Koji Nagamura—also a member of the Tsugaru shamisen ensemble Shippu—is a highly skilled musician.